Optimization of passively Q-switched Er:glass laser

Summary form only given. Optimization of the laser performance of the Q-switched lasers resulting in maximal output pulse energy and/or minimal pulse width has had much attention in recent years. Here we present an usable and demonstrative theoretical approach and its practical application to the optimization of the passively Q-switched Er:glass laser emitting in the so called "eye-safe" spectral range around 1.5 /spl mu/m. Our theoretical model is based on the analytically solved rate equations which take into account excited-state absorption in the saturable absorber. The theory predictions were compared with experimental results for the flash-lamp pumped Er:glass laser operated at 1.53 /spl mu/m and passively Q-switched with Co/sup 2+/:LaMgAl/sub 11/O/sub 19/ and Co/sup 2+/:MgAl/sub 2/O/sub 4/ crystals.